Let's say (hypothetically of course) I was going to look at a pile of hemi's...

They are supposedly all "running when pulled" 392's, but we all know how that goes...

Well, I have exactly ZERO experience when it comes to hemi stuff.

Someone told me to measure from the coolant hole to the deck to differentiate the 392's from the baby hemi's.
Is this still pretty easy to approximate if the water pump is on?

Any other quick and easy ways to ID 'em?

What are problem areas on these motors that I should pay extra attention to?

I know the 392 heads actually flowed a little less than the smaller heads, but are there any 392 heads that are better than any others?

I believe a couple of them have push-button torqueflites attached; are these worth anything as hot rod trannys?

If these are as nice as I'm being told, what's a fair price to pay?
If they're not as nice, what are they worth for parts?



Thanks guys!
Steve

 

The valve covers should say Chrysler Firepower or Imperial. The tin front cover should be about a half inch below the valley deck. 354's were almost flush. The serial no next to the oil filler tube should be 57 xxx or 58 xxx. There is only one 392 head and it will not fit anything else. You can put earlier heads on them using spacers. I can only guess at prices. I would think 1-1500 complete rebuildable at least. More if really nice 3-4k?

 

all 392 hemis were either dated 57 or 58. The valve cover could also be blank or say industrial. Even if they are not as nice as someone says they are still worth something to someone. I would be interested in a complete
motor if the price is right. What are they asking for them ?

 

Keep in mind many people think they have 392s, but usually they are something else. Go to a Hemi site & get a complete list of codes. Codes are located on a flat in front of valley cover,if unreadable there should be casting # on block pass. side rear between head & valley cover. You could post codes & cast numbers here. Check around freeze plugs on side of blocks for cracks.

 

I don't think there were any factory 392 Ind or marine engines, but all Chr 331, 354, & 392 valve covers interchange. They may have been changed out over the years.

 

You say, "a pile of hemi's". How big a pile? 2 or 20? Like anything else I'd try to get a deal if your going to take more than one. Kinda a "blue light special deal" You know the drill. You want a hundred apiece and you've got ten. How about $800 for the whole "pile"? Also can you verify exactly what each one is and a rough guess/fact on condition?

Frank

 

and I would take Frank with you as your money man.....plus he's got a HUGE trailer for hauling and a strong back for lifting.

 

Last "pile" I looked at had only one Chrysler motor in it, I need to go back and run the numbers on them -

 

All Chryslers have an ID beginning with the year of manufacture followed by the VIN #...

There are no problem area except freeze cracks and rods out the block.

All the pieces should be saved...nothing is junk on these motors...

 

392 #s stamped on the top flat to the left in front of the lifter valley cover

The first letters and #'s start this way NE57
CE57
3NE57
58N
58C
58N3

Their maybe one more, this is just off the top of my head..........Littleman

 

Cool guys... Thanks for all of the info!


Frank, that's EXACTLY what I was thinking!



Now all I need to do is find a time that works for he and I both to check 'em out!

 

Keep in mind the 331s and 354s are worth money too. The 555 heads on some of the 331s are worth almost as much as a 392 motor these days. And the 354s are great motors - better heads than the 392, plus physically a bit smaller (same goes for 331s), although obviously less cubes.

 

Geez...and I've got TWO sets of 555's.....

What newbies to Hemi's need to realize is that all the stuff is valuble since these things don't grow on trees...

I'll get some flack for this but even the early 331 heads flow pretty good...if that's what you've got, use 'em! They are way better than most any stock wedge engine!

 

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGH WHAT LIFE WOULD BE LIKE WITHOUT HYPOTHETCAL SITUATIONS

 

Hypothetically, I'd have a very dear friend.

My '57 Plymouth wagon needs one, if it's a Chrysler. Maybe BenD can help make a connection?

I'd almost prefer a "junky" 331, I'm just after the wow factor.

 

Call me crazy but if its an old hemi regardless of cubic inch displacement it would be mine.That shit don,t grow on trees...I,m heading to an old yard on Sunday that has cars as far back as the twenties. I get to take what I want so if there are any old hemis or nailheads as well as Olds motors I,m going back with a trailer!!! I,ll be taking pictures so you boys will see where I was. Thar,s gold in them thar hills! Ratmotor.

 

I thought someone whould have mentioned the four clearance bumps on the rocker covers for the late 392's with adjustable rockers.

 

If you make the deal, I'd be interested in lightening your haul!
I've got a 41 plymouth coupe that needs a vintage hemi, and all I got to put in it is sbc's, FE's or a 429.

 

Lots of parts get changed over the years, so the covers themselves won't tell you much. The two most important things to look at are the numbers on the block and heads.

 

hypothetically, if a frog had a glass ass it would only jump once!

 

All '92's are the last two years, but not all of the last two years' motors are 392's.

Like was already mentioned; there are no junk/undesirable hemi parts.

Wait, they're all undesireable - send them to me!

-bill

 

Ok guys, I went to look at the "Pile of Hemi's" today...

There was ONE Hemi.

It's a Chrysler 331 2bbl.

It's complete... hoses, wires, etc., with a fluid drive trans attached.

He has NO idea if it turns over, doesn't know if it's cracked, can't tell me anything about it...


I can bring it home for $400.

I can't really afford that right now (Not to mention it seems a little high to me, but I'm ignorant when it comes to hemi's); but is this a good enough deal that I should find a way to afford it?


Thanks guys!

Steve

 

Depends I guess on what we are talking about , is it a short or long bell 331 , check the numbers CE- 51 ,52 ,53 were long bell and had small heads,round exhaust ports ,2bbl and a gigantic cast iron front cover . If it is a locked up old core motor ,I'd pass for that price . Not that early motors are totally useless for parts , cranks in good condition can be used in later 331's although the oil passages are smaller .

 

Here's a Hemi site, that might be of help.Crazyhttp://www.thehemi.com/forums/

 

Hypothetically, if a frog had a glass ass it wouldn't croak, it would crack. Then it would croak!